1st US Army UH-72A Lakota for Basing Outside of USA Delivered

(Arlington, Virginia, July 20, 2009) -- The first two EADS North America-built UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopters to be based outside of the continental United States have been delivered to the U.S. Army for operations in Puerto Rico.

The UH-72A is a derivative of Eurocopter's proven EC145 multi-role helicopter, and is produced at a state-of-the-art facility in Columbus, Miss., that is operated by American Eurocopter, an EADS North America company.

These rotary-wing aircraft were the 66th and 67th UH-72As delivered to U.S. Army and Army National Guard units by EADS North America, and they continued the company's track record of on-time deliveries for the service's new Light Utility Helicopter.

Both Lakota helicopters are now located at San Juan's Isla Grande Airport, and are operated by Detachment B/1-114AV of the Puerto Rico National Guard. They are equipped for general aviation support missions.

"These latest deliveries expand the UH-72A's area of operations and underscore the Lakota's ability to serve in a full range of climates and conditions," said EADS North America Chairman and CEO Ralph D. Crosby, Jr. "With an operational availability rate higher than 90 percent, the UH-72A continues to demonstrate its mission readiness in support of our warfighters and for America's homeland security."